The government of Canada has announced a significant investment of C$11.2 billion (approximately $8.1 billion) to modernize the country’s military trainer fleet. On May 29, Ottawa confirmed the finalization of a contract for the acquisition of around 70 new trainer aircraft of five different types, aimed at supporting the development of new aviators for the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF).
The 25-year deal with SkyAlyne, a joint venture between CAE and KF Aerospace, includes not only the procurement of these aircraft but also the provision of comprehensive training services starting in 2029. This substantial investment underscores Canada’s commitment to enhancing its military capabilities and ensuring the readiness of its aircrews.
Ottawa emphasized the strategic importance of this acquisition, stating, “This particular investment will bolster our ability to train a sufficient number of qualified aircrews to meet our operational requirements.” The new fleet will comprise single- and multi-engined turboprops, as well as helicopters, all procured under the Future Aircrew Training (FAcT) programme. This initiative will replace the existing RCAF training contracts with CAE and Allied Wings, which are set to expire in 2028.
The modernization effort reflects a forward-thinking approach to military training, ensuring that the RCAF can meet current and future operational demands with highly skilled personnel. The integration of advanced training aircraft and services is expected to significantly enhance the training infrastructure and operational readiness of the Canadian forces.
